One of the slick looking rides that you can rent – Tim Dustrude photo

There’s a new motorcycle rental place in town. Actually they’re the ONLY motorcycle rental place in town. It’s U-Ride Motorcycle Rentals and it’s at 25 Nichols Street, right there on the corner of A Street by Roy’s Espresso. You may know of Beast Powersports, over on Carter Avenue? Well owners Larry (Captain) Phillips and his daughter Sierra Frost have expanded and are now offering retail sales of accessory items and motorcycle rentals from this new place.

And I know what you’re thinking: How is this going to affect Susie? (Susie’s mopeds). “Susie is a good friend and is actually behind us 100%” says the captain. “She sends customers our way and we send customers her way.” Which makes perfect sense – they’re actually two very different clienteles.

Larry and Sierra opened the retail sales portion of the business in early April and now have officially started renting bikes as of just a couple days ago, after getting the rental reservation system tuned up and ready for prime time. And now Beast is headquartered here as well, while the shop has moved to the north end of the island (so don’t go looking for them on Carter).

Retail Store salesperson Jeanine Bennion (L) and store owners Larry Phillips and Sierra Frost – Tim Dustrude photo

Captain Larry and company also happen to belong to the group that has put together Sunday’s Bikers4Orcas fundraiser, a worldwide event devoted to freeing and then caring for (as necessary) orcas which are currently in captivity.

New digs for County Parks & Fair office – Contributed photo

On Monday, June 29th the County Parks Department will open its doors at the new office located on the southwest corner of fairgrounds main building, near the fairgrounds front gate entrance. During the move from the County Legislative Building on Thursday afternoon and Friday, 6/25 & 26, the Parks office will be closed to walk in services, but will be available by phone and email.

The move is the next to the last step in the Parks & Fair departments’ consolidation that began in late 2010. Through this summer, all Fair and fairgrounds events and activities will still be coordinated by Fairgrounds staff from the trailer by the south gate. After the Fair this summer, the Fairgrounds staff will move out of the trailer and into the new office.

Parks & Fair Director Dona Wuthnow said, “I am delighted to have one office for all our administrative staff that is fully accessible to the community and visitors. This move will greatly enhance services with more consistent office hours and program support.”

An Open House is planned for mid- September, information will be forthcoming.

Fireworks over the harbor – Contributed photo

Thanks to a generous matching grant of $35,000 from Kings Market and the lodging tax funds from the Town of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce has put together the biggest and best fireworks display ever!

Make your donation, small or large.

If you can’t put a donation in the jar then you can mail your check to San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 98, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or on-line at www.sanjuanisland.org/members-quick-access

We thank our sponsors, the Town of Friday Harbor & Kings Market!

A something-for-everyone weekend!

Richard from the Cheese Shop sends this invitation for their event tonight…

A Doug McIntosh painting – Contributed photo

Another fun thing to do this weekend!

San Juan Island Cheese and WaterWorks Gallery are working together to provide an exciting array of flavors for your palate and colors for your visual delight over the next couple of months.

You’re invited to an art and cheese night at the cheese shop this Friday, June 26th 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Stop by to see the work of Doug McIntosh on display.

This photographer, based in southern Oregon, has shot his images all over the Northwest at marinas, boatyards and ports. His interest lies in the color and details of these places; the fiberglass of a boat mold before painting, a decaying wood walkway, and an old steel hull before refurbishing and painting.

Doug creates this body of work photographically then manipulates the image using technology to produce an archival pigment print which he then mounts on a wood panel substrate and applies a resin coating on the final work. Feast your eyes on the impressive artwork from Waterworks Gallery while you enjoy the delicious fare at San Juan Island Cheese, 155 Nichols Street.

At the Rumor Mill on Saturday – Heather Keizur and Steve Christofferson – Contributed photo

To celebrate her recently released CD, bilingual vocalist Heather Keizur makes a debut appearance at The Rumor Mill in Friday Harbor. Steve Christofferson joins Keizur to share their passion for beautiful music.

Keizur and Christofferson have performed together for over six years. According to Keizur, “Someone else was supposed to be playing with me on a gig in December 2008 when at the last minute, I got a call saying that he couldn’t make it. So that night Steve filled in. That’s when the magic began.” Keizur and Christofferson are of one mind when it comes to making music. The great Joe Williams once told Christofferson, “Sing like there’s no tomorrow.” When Keizur and Christofferson perform together, you feel as if they have been doing so all their lives. Continue Reading

Father Leche – Contributed photo

The Rev. Edward D. Leche, III, Vicar Emeritus of Saint David’s Episcopal Church, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination as an Episcopal Priest. A drop-by “Meet & Greet” event will be held in the Activity Room of The Village at the Harbour from 1-2 pm on Sunday, June 28. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues are invited to stop by to congratulate Father Leche. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to send cards to Father Leche at 543 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250.

In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Father Leche served various congregations in Western Washington. Then, in 1967, he was assigned to serve the San Juan Islands which entailed traveling by boat to Orcas, Shaw, Lopez, San Juan, Waldron, and Stuart Islands. He retired as Vicar of Saint David’s in Friday Harbor in 1988, and was named Vicar Emeritus.

Dianna Down and Sydney Exton with commemorative paddle – Photo by Nancy Way, The Watership Company, West Beach Creek project contractor

A renewed marine legacy-in-the-making for all of Orcas Island was celebrated on Thursday, June 18, at the site of a recently completed restoration project on West Beach Creek, just above where it empties into President Channel. Members of the Trudy Erwin family, representatives of the Northwest Straits Foundation and project partners gathered to commemorate removal of a fish passage barrier at the mouth of West Beach Creek and restoration of important habitat for salmon, forage fish, aquatic and marine species within the property area.

“This beautiful place is even more special today because of the success of this project,” remarked Ken Carrasco, member of the Northwest Straits Foundation Board of Directors, retired fisheries biologist and Orcas Island property owner. “Our strength comes from combining the generosity of private landowners – like Trudy Erwin’s family, with the expertise of local people and the investment of public resources. None of us can do this alone, but look what we accomplished together.”

Trudy Erwin, long-time Orcas island potter, was inspired to restore fish passage and improve habitat on her shoreline property, where West Beach Creek flows into President Channel. When she passed in 2013 at age 90, her daughters – Dianna Down and Sydney Exton, were committed to bringing Erwin’s wishes to fruition in partnership with the Northwest Straits Foundation, who coordinated the restoration project team. Other San Juan County partners include Rainshadow Consulting, Friends of the San Juans, and Washington Department of Natural Resources Aquatics Lands Restoration Program Puget Sound Corps. Continue Reading

The 4th of July parade as viewed from the air – Click to enlarge – Chris Teren photo

Here’s a note from Diana Mancel who is coordinating the parade this year…

The 2015 4th of July Friday Harbor Parade is just ten days away! If you haven’t filled out your parade entry application, please do so ASAP – go by the Chamber of Commerce office which is open 10:00 to 4:00 every day.

If you would like to volunteer on the morning of the parade, we can certainly add you to the team – call Diana at 317-8809 or email her at dianamancel[@]gmail[.]com to sign up or to get additional information.

Please contact Diana also if you would like to be included in a legion of lawnmowers (riding or push) a bevy of bicyclists, a calvacade of costumed pets, or a mixed medley of majestic movie stars. These groups are forming now and have sponsors!

This year’s parade will begin at 10:30 am and will include the University of Washington Marching Band, the Seahawks’ Mascot “Blitz”, the Keith Highlander Pipe Band, several other bands, and many floats and classic/vintage cars. We will have horses & dogs, too!

And… Laura Concord from the Presbyterian Church has this announcement as well…

Fourth of July Parade Reserved Seating for those with special needs

The Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church deacons will set up reserved seating in front of the church for seniors and those with special needs.  The restroom facilities inside the church and at 395 Spring Street (house next door to the church) are handicapped accessible and will be available.  Chairs with “Reserved” written on them will be placed along the sidewalk. Spaces will be available for wheelchairs also.  Please call the church office with your name and number of guests needing reserved seating for the parade.  378-4544

The inaugural Friday Harbor Chamber Musical Festival takes place at San Juan Community Theatre THIS Friday and Saturday, June 26-27 at 7:30 p.m.

The Festival is the brainchild of Sasha von Dassow, who moved back to San Juan Island after more than 22 years working as a cellist in Florida. For the past few years, he’s wowed island audiences, including playing in Melodious Notes Over the Harbor, Night Music and Chamber Music San Juans.

Now Sasha—a former member of the Florida Orchestra and music director and conductor of the North Port Symphony—has created what he hopes will become an annual island festival that brings acclaimed Pacific Northwest musicians to the island to perform masterworks of chamber music.

Sasha von Dassow – Contributed photo

“Each evening will offer a variety of different pieces, from Haydn through contemporary artists,” said Sasha.

Performing with Sasha will be: Sharon Stanis, Violin, Lafayette String Quartet, University of Victoria; Patricia Kostek, Clarinet, University of Victoria, Chamber Music San Juans; Charles Enlow, Piano, Shoreline College, Seattle; Eileen Swanson, Viola, Pacific NW Ballet Orchestra; and Cecilia Archuleta, Violin, Seattle

Sasha’s ultimate goal for the festival is to provide performances in the summer followed by educational workshops (with music educators and students coming from throughout the country) later in the year.

Festival Programs:

FRIDAY

• Haydn: Piano Trio in G, the “Gypsy”- Sharon, Charles, Sasha
• Mozart violin sonata in B-flat Major, K. 454- Cecilia, Charles
• Bruch: from “8 Pieces”- #3- Pat, Eileen, Charles
• Faure: Piano Quartet Opus 15- Charles, Cecilia, Eileen, Sasha
• Prokofiev: Overture on Hebrew Themes- Pat, Cecilia, Sharon, Eileen, Charles, Sasha

SATURDAY

• Mozart: Clarinet Quintet- Pat, Cecilia, Sharon, Charles, Sasha
• Dohnanyi: Serenade, Opus 10- Sharon, Eileen, Sasha
• Schumann: Piano Quintet Opus 44- Charles, Sharon, Cecilia, Eileen, Sasha

TICKETS ($22 for adults; $11 for student reserved; $5 student RUSH at door) are available at the SJCT Box office-378-3210 or on-line at www.sjctheatre.org.

Spineless Invertabrates – Susan Middleton photo

Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, The Backbone of Life at the San Juan Community Theatre, 7:30 p.m. June 30, 2015

Wildlife photographer and author Susan Middleton shares anecdotes about her field work and the process of creating the stunning images now on display at the IMA exhibition Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, the Backbone of Life, from her acclaimed book of the same name.

Middleton offers a rare glimpse into a mysterious and beguiling world in a talk that features the essential role of marine invertebrates in the web of life. A unique blend of art and science, this special presentation highlights the spectacular diversity and astonishing beauty of this under-celebrated realm of life upon which all other life depends.

With special emphasis on the spineless creatures that inhabit the marine environment of the San Juan Islands, Middleton will take us on a visual adventure as we learn about the elegant natural design, fragility, and resiliency of these amazing lifeforms that make up more than 98% of marine fauna.

The newest Washington State Ferry M/V Samish enters Friday Harbor – Aaron Shepard photo

Public comments wanted on ferry fare increase proposal 
State Transportation Commission to host four public meetings in July, final hearing in August

OLYMPIA – Ferry customers and anyone with interest in Washington State Ferry fares are being asked to weigh in on a new fare proposal that would take effect starting this October. The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years.

The proposed increase must generate $357 million between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2017, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferry’s operations.

The commission is proposing a two-year increase in ferry fares. Details and effective dates are below: Continue Reading

Fairgrounds Parks to Remain Closed Thursday, June 25.
Due to some technical issues with the project, the Skate and Family Parks will need to remain closed to public use through Thursday. The parks should be open for normal operation on Friday, June 26. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Angelo is this week’s Pet of the Week – Traci Walter photo

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Angelo. I’m what the ladies here at the animal shelter call “Eye Candy” because I’m so handsome.

I feel it only fair to warn you – I also have a certain amount of charm and dignity, in addition to my good looks.   I’ve recently found myself in need of a new home. A place to call my own, if you will.

I’m very independent and won’t put up with a lot of fussing and petting, and whatever you do, don’t ask me to tolerate toys on the end of a stick.   I’d really just like a nice, quiet place where you and I can enjoy the finer things in life – tuna, naps, sunny spots and intellectual conversation.

Here’s the latest from OPALCO and Rock Island…

Pole installation at OPALCO’s Eastsound office – Contributed photo

OPALCO and Rock Island are making progress on our promise to improve wireless communications in the field for our line crews and for all first responders. The first five poles have been installed throughout the county, and the remainder (about 38 total) will be completed over the next 12-18 months. These poles will be equipped with radios that will utilize our 700 MHz LTE spectrum to transmit field communications to first responders, electrical system devices and, eventually, end-user Internet connections.

“We have a very skillful and dedicated EMS community in San Juan County,” said Dr. Michael Sullivan, San Juan County EMS Medical Program Director. “But until we improve communications in the field for our first responders, we are limited in our ability to serve those who need us. OPALCO’s commitment to solving this problem is tremendous – no one else has been willing to step up. With the wireless infrastructure in place, everyone will benefit from improved communications and safety.”

The County Joint Use Wireless Facilities code prescribes the specifics for implementing the installation of these poles: they must be less than 150’ in height and colored to blend in with their surroundings. Placement of all poles is guided by a Radio Frequency study and existing county road easement locations. The average height for all of the planned poles is around 80’ – significantly lower than allowed by the County code. Five poles have already been installed at the following locations: OPALCO’s Eastsound office (OI), Spring Point (OI), Mineral Point (SJI), Cape San Juan (SJI) and Cape St. Mary (LI). Other locations will be announced as they are confirmed.

Creating camouflage to blend in with trees – Contributed photo

This is a great example of how the two entities, OPALCO and Rock Island, will work together to leverage their resources to maximize the benefits of our cooperative grid control network. In this case, OPALCO is expanding our grid (electricity, fiber and system devices) and deploying the licensed frequency that we purchased in 2014 to reach further into the field. Rock Island is managing the construction and deployment of equipment to utilize the wireless spectrum. Continue Reading

Chad Hoffman (L) and Will Hamilton – Contributed photo

Know Your Island Walk – Saturday June 27, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Meet caretaker Will Hamilton and water systems manager Chad Hoffman for an educational tour of the Briggs Lake area (known as the Roche Harbor Watershed) which is a private forest providing water, wood, wildlife and recreation enjoyed by many islanders. Learn what makes this watershed and water treatment plant property so unique.

Take the watershed tour, a distance of 1.25 miles and then walk .75 miles or drive to a tour of the water treatment plant where liquid refreshments will be served.

• Terrain: grassy trails, level to downhill (no uphill)
• Rating: gentle
• Dogs on leashes okay
• Rain or shine

Meet and park at corner of Roche Harbor and West Valley Roads. Limited parking; please carpool if possible. Information: info[@]sanjuanislandtrails[.]org.

The Friday Art Market – Tim Dustrude photo

The Friday Art Market has begun its fourth season on the Brickworks Plaza and will run through September 4^th. The art market will run every Friday from 3:00pm-7:00pm. This year we are pleased to announce the addition of Bakery San Juan to the Art Market. There will be several new artists joint the the “Artisans on the Plaza”, not only from San Juan Island but also from Orcas, Lopez and Waldron Islands. The variety of work will include jewelry, pottery, photography, baskets, clothing, woodwork, glass, paintings, soaps, art cards, screen printing, lotions and more.

The music lineup is almost complete as the market announces the following musicians: Teddy Deane, Oliver Strasser, Kuba Tana Marimba, Stone Soup Marimba, Tony Florino and David Bayley.

The Creation Station, our hands-on activity will be back. This is an interactive art station for all, kids to adults. Anyone who drops in to the station will walk away with their own artistic creation. Claire Wright, Cosecha Textiles, will be running the creative station this year and has a full line up for the summer.

For more information please contact Becki Day, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, [email protected] or 360-378-5240.